The punch heads are supplied by means of ARNOLD & SHINJO conveying equipment. Up to 20,000 fastening elements can be held ready in the pertaining filling hopper. The elements are positioned automatically in correct position and fed through a feeding hose into the tool. The simple and intelligent design ensures reliable functioning of all components. The various alternatives for the feeding technique permit use with small series as well as in mass production.

• Powerfeeder (see illustration) for rapid cycle frequence
• Vibratory conveyor for body-in-white solutions with moderate stroke velocity
• Refillable magazines for small-series production

The ARNOLD & SHINJO multi-distributor in particular permits the implementation of projects in the press shop in which many nuts must be fastened. The device distributes the necessary nuts in one work step to the particular punch heads. It is possible to address up to eight heads from one multi-distributor. All fastening elements are placed simultaneously. By means of this system the number of interfaces to the tool is clearly reduced and set-up times are minimised. And one feeding hose only to the tool is required per multi-distributor. Activation of individual punch heads can be blocked mechanically or electrically. When the process is completed the customer is getting a completely finished sheet metal part with up to 32 fastening elements. Multi-distributors can be used with KP, HN, RXM clinch nuts.

ARNOLD & SHINJO is a specialist in the development and production of robust punch heads and clinch blocks. These are characterised by a straightforward, modular, and assembly-friendly design. Beyond the standardised heads also variants – meeting the specific customer requirements – can be supplied for various geometric component shapes. The multitude of applications, which are outstanding because of their high degree of economical efficiency, cover nearly the full spectrum of possible production tasks.

• Picasso I punch heads with pneumatic locking feature (see illustration)
• Picasso II punch heads without locking feature for use in C-frames
• Picasso Auto punch heads with mechanical feed for processing RXM clinch nuts
• Picasso double punch heads
• Picasso block punch heads
• Sokrates punch heads for processing PN nuts
• Various special punch blocks according to customer requirements

Dies and die-holders are specially adapted to the particular fastener element, sheet metal gauge, and sheet grade.

ARNOLD & SHINJO is producing the complete control and monitoring system in order to warrant the reliable functionality of the respective system solution. It is standard to monitor punching unit, tool and feeding device by means of a PLC control system. In the PLC several programs can be stored affording a high degree of flexibility of the piercing nut system. The software is programmed individually for the respective application. Connections can be made either by conventional wiring or by bus.

Arnold & Shinjo quick connect coupling systems are characterised by their compact design and by ease of handling. Therefore, it is just a matter of seconds to remove a conveyor unit from the tool or to re-connect it. Due to intelligent protection a loss of nuts from the system is impossible.

Simple testing instruments for checking the tightening torque directly on the press.